Willis Blair Austin, longtime resident of Collinsville, passed from this life on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at the age of 92 years. Willis was born October 13, 1921 at Sageeyah, OK to Henry and Xenia (Blair) Austin. He was raised and received his education in the Oologah area. On October 8, 1941, he and Doris Ridenhour were united in marriage in Sageeyah. Following their marriage, they lived in California until returning to Collinsville in 1951. Willis worked for Douglas Aircraft for nineteen years as a lead man and mechanic. He later went to work with the State of Oklahoma Highway Department, retiring after fourteen years. Doris preceded him in death in July of this year. Willis loved “tinkering” with just about anything that didn’t work, then fixing it.
Those that survive and hold cherished memories are his children – Danny Austin and wife Sue, Judy Williams and husband Kenneth all of Collinsville; Donald Austin and wife Jackie Jo of Chelsea, OK and Janet Wakefield of Collinsville; 7 grandchildren Joni Wackowski and husband Mike, Jill Ramirez and husband Pete, Dianna Turnbull and husband Brad, Kelly Williams and wife Denise, Ben Austin and wife Ruby, Becky Austin and Jared Wakefield; nine great grandchildren and one great great grandson. Also surviving are two brothers Russell and Vernon Williams and a sister Wilma Williams Barnett. Besides his wife, Willis was preceded in death by his parents Henry Austin and Xenia Austin Williams; two sisters Elsie Austin Ward and Alice Austin Morgan and two brothers William and Robert Austin.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, September 26, 2014 in the sanctuary of the Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle with Pastor Charles Modrell officiating. Interment will follow at the Ridgelawn Cemetery, Collinsville. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 pm. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
